Matt LeBlanc Signs On to Host the Next Series of Top Gear

Possible £2 million deal signed.

By
Joe Skrebels

Matt LeBlanc has signed a new contract to host Top Gear for at least two more years following the departure of co-host Chris Evan after just six episodes.

Announced by the BBC, the former friends star will be joined by the rest of the remaining seven hosts from last series - Chris Harris and Rory Reid will return as hosts of both the main show and BBC Three's Extra Gear, while Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and The Stig will make "regular appearances".

The Sun reports that LeBlanc's total pay will be £2 million (approximately USD $2.6 million) over two years, following panic as the BBC loses the hugely popular Great British Bake-Off to rival network Channel 4. The BBC has made no official comment on LeBlanc's salary.

Top Gear is due to return for its 24th season next year.

Amazon's The Grand Tour, which stars ex-Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May is due to begin airing weekly from November 18.

Joe Skrebels is IGN's UK News Editor, and very much hopes they start a Matt-LeBlanc-on-Australian-trucks feature called "How Utes Doing?". Follow him on Twitter.